Pendant Lighting Buying Guide

To quickly calculate the maximum size for a table or countertop pendant, simply subtract 12 inches from the width of the space. For example, if you are lighting an island that is 5 feet (60 inches) long and 3 feet (36 inches) wide: 36 – 12 = 24

The maximum pendant width or diameter is 24 inches. This leaves 6 inches of space on each edge of the table or countertop. The lights don’t look crowded, and there’s less risk of people hitting their heads on the light fixtures.

1) Pendant lighting spacing

Now think about how many pendants this space could hold. Because lamps come in a variety of sizes and designs, there is no standard spacing that applies to every type of lamp. However, there are some general principles.

• A minimum of 6 inches of clearance is required at each end of the table or countertop.
• Combinations of two or three lights are ideal for small to medium spaces. For longer tables and countertops, add more lights if they can be spaced appropriately.
• It’s more fun to group an odd number of pendants, so consider sizes that allow for groupings of three, five, etc.
• Planning distance from the regional center. For an even number of lights, two lights are the same distance from the center and the other lights are equally spaced extending outward. For an odd number of lights, start with the one in the center.

With these starting points in mind, here are some pendant spacing tips:

• If you have 5 feet of space, you can usually fit one large pendant or two medium-sized pendants.
• For a larger table or island, try a few large pendant lights or up to three medium-sized fixtures.
• For medium and large lights that are 10 inches wide or larger, spacing 18 to 24 inches between fixtures can provide an attractive, comfortable appearance. Some designers recommend using wider spacing and using a range of 24 to 30 inches.
• You can use the width or diameter of the lights as a minimum measurement for spacing, but you generally don’t want them to be closer than 18 inches apart.
• For larger tables or countertops, you can increase the spacing to approximately twice the width or diameter of the pendant.

2) Pendant lighting height

When installed above a dining table or countertop, pendant lights should generally be hung so that the base of each light is approximately 30 inches to 36 inches from the surface. If your ceiling is 8 feet high, consider hanging lights at the lower end of the range; for ceilings 9 feet or higher, plan for the higher range.

Most chandeliers come with enough wire and the necessary chains or extension rods to allow you to change the hanging height as needed. Use the above measurements as a guide, but make sure the light fixture doesn’t block the view or hang too low that people can bump into it.

2. Pendant lighting styles and finishes

Style is the most common feature when purchasing a chandelier. Choose a style that you like and that matches the rest of your decor.

• Traditional chandelier: Traditional hardware offers a more ornate and classic look. The details and finishes suit a variety of styles, including farmhouse, antique, and rustic.
• Modern Chandelier: A contemporary or modern chandelier has clean lines and a sharp, minimalist look that is simple and understated.
• Transitional Pendant Lights: Transitional chandeliers combine traditional with modern, allowing you to mix elements of both styles for a personalized look.
• Unique Pendant Lighting: If you’re looking for a more casual and fun look, unique light fixtures can give you the most personal touch.

Within each style, you can choose a theme such as:

• farmhouse
• coastal
• High quality
• industrial
• wrought iron
• novel

Pendant lights come in a variety of finishes. Get inspired by the existing décor in your home. If the doorknobs and cabinet hardware are all brushed nickel, choose lighting fixtures with complementary finishes. Popular chandelier finishes include:

• oil rubbed bronze
• polished chrome
• brushed nickel
• polished nickel
• black iron

3. Shades, bulbs and accessories

Pendant lamp shades are available in glass, fabric, and metal. Mini chandeliers sometimes come with shades sold separately so you can mix and match. Fabric lampshades provide diffused light, perfect for bedrooms. You can choose fabric shades with metal or wood panels if you want a stylish look. Metallic tones look great in kitchens with an industrial theme. Popular chandelier shades include:

• tinted glass
• frosted glass
• Smoked white glass diffuser
• Tiffany style glass
• Linen
• Burlap
• polished chrome
• oil rubbed bronze

Pendant lighting accessories can add extra glamor. Install a decorative ceiling medallion to give a large inverted chandelier or shaded chandelier a polished look. Consider matching your wall paneling to your new pendant light finish.

4. Types of Pendant lighting